Beating
the Winter Blues: Naturally
Most adults will get at least two
colds every year, and children can get up to eight. This is hardly surprising
given that there are more than 200 viruses known to cause respiratory tract
infections. Although viral illnesses are rarely serious they certainly cause
misery and may lower immune defenses against more dangerous secondary bacterial
infections.
Fighting
viral infections – Colds and 'flu
There are a number of clinically effective
Natural Medicines that can be used to help your patients support their immune
systems and fight viral infections this winter, including the Ayurvedic herb Andrographis
paniculata. Traditional use of Andrographis effectively stimulates immunity
and reduces inflammation; used in the acute stages of viral infection,
Andrographis has been shown to reduce cold and ‘flu symptoms and shorten the
duration of illness.
To enhance these effects, a personalized
herbal tonic blends Andrographis with Picrorrhiza kurroa and Sambucus
nigra to help relieve symptoms of fever, sore throats and excessive mucous
secretions to shorten the duration of colds and 'flu.
Certain mushroom extracts may also
help fight off viral infections. Research focused on the immune enhancing
effects of Japanese mushrooms finds the extracts from Coriolus versicolor
and Grifola frondosa to powerfully boost immune surveillance against
viral infection and reduce the risk of secondary bacterial infection. Together
these mushroom extracts help prevent and treat viral infections in those with
poor immunity.
Nutritionally, zinc and vitamin C
are important as they are both rapidly depleted during the acute stages of
infection. An acute dosage strategy of up to four doses of Zinc and
Vitamin C Powder daily from the first signs and symptoms of a viral
infection is recommended to support immunity and prevent depletion.
Narelle Stegehuis, is a practicing medical herbalist and naturopath
specializing in restorative endocrinology for women, with over 14 years
clinical experience. She is both an
accomplished writer, editor and technical training advisor for the Complementary
Health Care Council. A recipient of the
Australian Naturopathic Excellence Award, Narelle adopts an integrated approach
of both medical science and traditional complementary health care principles.
Her services can be accessed at www.massattack.com.au or www.bumpfertility.com.au
